What we are studying

The purpose of this research study is to understand how gentle yoga classes may help women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. We are interested in learning how many women will participate in gentle yoga classes via online videoconferencing during radiation therapy, and we will obtain feedback on those classes. We also want to study the effects of yoga on you and your symptoms. These results may provide important knowledge to healthcare providers who care for women with breast cancer.

Who we are studying

Women

Races:

White

African American

Asian

American Indian or Alaska Native

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Other

All Ethnicities

Ages 18+

Eligibility Criteria

Participants must:

Have newly diagnosed with a histologically or cytologically confirmed breast cancer Stage I-III

Be ?2 weeks post-surgery for women who have had a lumpectomy

A lumpectomy with an axillary node dissection or a mastectomy without reconstruction OR ?4 weeks post-surgery for women who have had mastectomy with reconstruction

Have access to an existing broadband internet connection and a computer (laptop or desktop; tablets are not sufficient) with a full-sized computer screen and the following specifications a)Windows® 8

RT

7

Vista

XP or 2003 Server

Mac OS® X 10.6 or newer b)Internet Explorer ® 7.0 or newer

Firefox® 4.0 or newer

Safari TM 3.0 or newer or Chrome

Be able to understand written/spoken English

NOT have practiced yoga regularly (defined as at least once per week on average) in the past 3 months

NOT have regularly (defined as 4 or more days per week) engaged in vigorous physical activity (i.e.

Causes heavy breathing

Sweating

Rapid fatigue; can be sustained for short periods

Like running or swimming strongly) over the past 4 weeks

NOT be treated with a shortened course of radiation therapy

What is involved

If you agree to participate and are enrolled in the study

We will ask you to complete the following procedures that will only be used for research purposes. You will be in the study for about 7 weeks.
(1) Study questionnaires. Three questionnaires will be completed: before you start the study

Midway through the study (week 4)

And at the end of the yoga classes (week 7). The questionnaires ask for basic information about you

Your physical and emotional health

And quality of life. Each questionnaire will take about 30 minutes to complete.
(2) Gentle yoga classes. You will participate in yoga classes from your home or local
temporary residence using Internet-based videoconferencing. You will connect to the videoconferencing website using your computer and the Internet. We will provide a web camera if you do not already have one. This format will allow you to see and interact with the instructor and other women taking the classes. You will also receive the necessary yoga equipment and a yoga DVD for optional practice on your own. You will be asked to complete at least 10 out of 12 gentle yoga classes two times per week during your 6-week course of radiation therapy. Each session will last for 75 minutes. We will ask you to record your yoga activity throughout the study using a pen and paper-based log. After you complete the yoga classes

You will be asked to provide feedback about the classes

As part of the last questionnaire. You will also rate several symptoms before and after each yoga class. In addition to the formal classes

You will be encouraged to practice
yoga in your spare time during each week; however

This practice will not be required.
Yoga is not a religion or religious-based program. An experienced yoga teacher who has specialized training in teaching yoga to individuals with cancer will lead the classes. She will adjust the classes to your needs and abilities. Classes will include yoga poses

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.